Length-to-side silhouettes for boxer brief/boyshort type disposable absorbent articles and arrays

ABSTRACT

An absorbent article may have a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette from 0.5 to about 1.5. An array of absorbent articles may have an Array Average Product Length-to-Side Silhouette from 0.5 to about 1.5.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/023,830, filed on Jun. 29, 2018, which claims the benefit, under 35 USC 119(e), to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/527,571 filed on Jun. 30, 2017 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/530,482 filed on Jul. 10, 2017, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to disposable absorbent articles and arrays of disposable absorbent articles which are designed to fit different body sizes, shapes and types in a manner consistent with underwear.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

A key benefit of having the Product Length-to-Side Silhouette of less than 1.6 is that it provides an overall product shape closer to that of underwear specifically boy shorts for girls and boxer briefs for boys. These product forms provide a greater level of coverage and anchoring which will prevent the absorbent article from moving around on the body once it has been applied. The resultant design enables a product that is anchored effectively at multiple areas, the waist, hip and legs of the wearer and as result the product will slide or sag to a much lesser degree during wear than a product with a higher Product Length-to-Side Silhouette, for example a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette greater than 2.3. Having a lower Product Length-to-Side Silhouette also results in a product fit, which is tailored to fit more like a boxer brief or boyshort, fitting not only at the waist and hips but also along the legs thereby providing increased product stability, more effective gasketing, improved coverage and sufficient discretion while providing a product that more closely matches the desired underwear forms referenced above. Additionally, product designs, which mimic the general shape of underwear convey to wearers a better, more tailored fit as the Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes are more similar to underwear forms they readily recognize. The designs enabled by the present disclosure are more targeted by design, i.e. the product is located properly with regard to the waist, hip and legs of the wearer and therefore provides a greater level of fit, gasketing, comfort, stability and discretion all while addressing the emotional and psychological needs of the wearer.

Today there are a number of underwear forms, silhouettes, that are sold globally and they can be characterized generally into the group of girl bikini, girl hipsters (low rise briefs), girl briefs, girl boy shorts, boy low rise briefs, boy briefs and boy boxer briefs. These various underwear forms exist to provide wearers with an individual choice to allow them to find the right fit, level of comfort, degree of coverage, freedom of movement and appearance they desire. The transition from disposable absorbent articles to “real” underwear is the milestone every caregiver and absorbent article wearer looks forward to reaching. For wearers who have difficulty during the urine and or BM training stage, wearers with special needs and wearers who suffer from nocturnal enuresis, this milestone is very difficult to achieve. The inability for these individuals to achieve this milestone can have a significant psychological and emotional impact. Therefore, there is a significant longstanding unmet consumer need to create absorbent articles that more closely match underwear in shape or form, fit, comfort and appearance while delivering superior leakage performance, protection and confidence. This longstanding consumer need forms the basis for the present disclosure. The present disclosure leverages key anatomical parameters translated into product parameters that provide products that more closely match the anatomy and/or provide a more underwear like experience to those suffering from uncontrollable incontinence. The absorbent articles of the present disclosure help provide some level of normalcy and emotional and psychological relief for these incontinence sufferers.

The absorbent article forms of the present disclosure are designed to avoid excessively short article Relaxed Product Side Length resulting in inadequate product anchoring due to the lack of supporting material disposed at the side of the article, which can result in improper placement of the waist edge of the product, as well as product sagging and gapping. An article Relaxed Product Side Length that is too long can result in the absorbent article being visible above the waist of clothing worn over the article, which has a negative impact on discretion.

Discretion is very important to wearers who continue to experience incontinence episodes well beyond other individuals their age. A Relaxed Product Side Length designed to provide the necessary anchoring forces at the leg, hip and/or waist to ensure the proper location of the product on the wearer, proper placement and stabilization of the gasketing elements while preventing the product from being seen above the waist line of the clothing being worn over the product is at the foundation of the present disclosure. The Body Hip Circumference, due to the relationship to the prominent point of the buttocks, generally establishes the primary line of tension, anchoring point, of the absorbent article as it often represents the maximum circumference around the body. This is especially true for wearers who have a more pear-like body shape. In alternative embodiments, the Body Waist Circumference can be the primary line of tension, anchoring point of the absorbent article as it can represent the minimum circumference around the body especially for wearers who have a more hourglass body shape or a more apple-like body shape. This is a function of fit at the minimum circumference of the body (belly crease to small of the back), which means the product circumference would have to increase in order to slide or sag due to the increased body dimension at the hip. Products having a low Relaxed Product Length to Relaxed Side Length Ratio (longer side seam length) can have improved fit and anchoring due to the increase in Relaxed Side Length, which provides a wider anchoring band and broader distribution of forces along the body at the waist, hip and legs. Pant designs like the one illustrated in FIG. 23, where the front (and back—not shown) waist edge 136 is fitted above a wearers 400 belly button 402 may provide for additional anchoring, but may not be as discrete as pant designs like the one illustrated in FIG. 24, where the front (and back—not shown) waist edge 136 is fitted below a wearers 400 belly button 402.

Absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be used to absorb and contain liquid and other discharges from the human body to prevent the body and clothing from becoming soiled. Wearers who suffer from urinary incontinence including nocturnal enuresis urine can have instances of high flow rate and high volume. Absorbent articles of the present disclosure having a low Product Length-to-Side Silhouette have a broader anchoring band, which helps to locate and anchor the gasketing and fit elements of the product on the wearer thereby enhancing leakage protection even at higher flow rates and/or higher volumes. In addition, the low Product Length-to-Side Silhouette provides a product wherein the wide anchoring band not only anchors and locates the functional elements of the product on the wearer but it stabilizes the center chassis relative to the anchoring band further enhancing the effectiveness of the gasketing and fit elements.

Absorbent articles of the prior art come in a variety of designs, each typically available in multiple sizes, including 2, 3 and 4 size arrays. The various sizes of the prior art absorbent articles typically affect, for example, the size of the waist opening, the size of the openings around the thighs, and the length or “pitch” of the article. The prior art articles are typically sized and sold by weight. If a consumer selects an absorbent article of the prior art based on the weight only some consumers will encounter slipping, sliding, sagging, drooping, or a loss of gasketing effects because weight alone does not adequately characterize the differences in body shapes nor does it properly address the impact of anatomical differences across user sizes. Alternatively, depending on where the wearer is within the size range and/or the wearers shape, the thigh opening or pitch of the article may be too small for proper fit, potentially leading to wearer discomfort, skin marking of the wearer's skin or improper application or positioning of the article and the article's gasketing elements on the wearer leading to an increase in leakage and soiling.

Desirably, an absorbent article should be designed and sized to maintain contact with and conform as closely as possible to a wearer's body. Such a body-conforming design may increase the effectiveness of the absorbent article by reducing the possibility that urine, or the like, will spread or travel along the wearer's body and leak out of rather than be absorbed into the absorbent article. However, current prior art absorbent articles do not adequately address body shape as a function of product shape and therefore do not fit a broad range of users adequately or provide the desired level of close fit. Typically packages of absorbent articles are labeled with a recommended wearer weight range that the packaged article is intended to fit. As a result, the weight is often the sole criteria used to identify the size of the article. The weight does not in itself adequately describe the body shape of the individual and therefore does not help define the product form, hip or thigh circumference nor the pitch that may be needed to provide the proper fit, comfort, coverage and gasketing of the article. This is the case even though other characteristics and anthropometric attributes of potential wearers (for example, age, height, waist circumference, thigh circumference, hip circumference and rise) may vary widely within the recommended weight range, and therefore may result in an ill-fitting article even though a wearer's weight falls within that range. There is a need for absorbent articles that conform well to various wearers' body shapes and sizes. While there is a wide range of body shapes and sizes available products do not reflect this wide range; rather, absorbent articles available today within a given product array tend to be scaled versions of each other, and do not even follow the natural trend of body shape and dimensional changes across the range of consumers, i.e. smaller to larger wearers as well as wearers of varying shape.

These are all objects of the present disclosure; embodiments of the present disclosure may combine various objects mentioned. A particular embodiment may, but need not, embody every object as described.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

An absorbent article may have a central chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core. The absorbent article may comprise a front waist region and a front waist edge, a back waist region and a back waist edge, a front belt disposed in the front waist region, and a back belt disposed in the back waist region. The front and back belts are joined at seams to form a waist opening and leg openings. The article may have a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette from about 0.5 to about 1.5. The absorbent article may be in an array, where like absorbent articles each have a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette from about 0.5 to about 1.5 and an Average Array Product Length-to-Side Silhouette is from about 0.5 to about 1.5.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows Body Rise and Side Length against a body shape.

FIG. 2 is a chart illustrating how the average ratio of Body Rise-to-Side Length Ratio changes as Weight increases.

FIG. 3 shows Body Length and Side Length against a body shape.

FIG. 4a is a schematic cross section view taken along line 4 a/b-4 a/b of FIG. 12.

FIG. 4b is a schematic cross section view taken along line 4 a/b-4 a/b of FIG. 12.

FIG. 5 is a chart illustrating how the average Body Length-to-Side Silhouette changes as weight increases.

FIG. 6 shows a pant product in closed form, in its relaxed state.

FIG. 7 shows a boxer pant product in closed form, in its relaxed state.

FIG. 8 depicts the variability of body shapes.

FIG. 9 is a chart illustrating examples of existing product arrays, and how their Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes compare to the Body Length-to-Side Silhouettes of the average weight each product is targeted to fit.

FIG. 10 is a chart illustrating examples of inventive product arrays, and how their Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes compare to the Body Length-to-Side Silhouettes of the average weight each product is targeted to fit.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the absorbent article of FIG. 7 in open form, laid flat, with a continuous belt in the front and back waist regions.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of an absorbent article in open form, laid flat with a continuous belt in the front and back waist regions.

FIG. 13 is a partially cut away plan view of a pant diaper in open form, laid flat with a pair of flaps, wherein the wearer-facing interior of the diaper faces the viewer.

FIG. 14 is a partially cut away plan view a pant diaper in open form, laid flat with front and rear flaps, wherein the garment-facing exterior of the diaper faces the viewer.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view the pant diaper shown in FIG. 12 in closed form, wherein belts connect opposing waist regions.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view the pant diaper shown in FIG. 13 in closed form, wherein flaps connect opposing waist regions.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view the pant diaper shown in FIG. 14 in closed form, wherein side seams connect the flaps and opposing waist regions.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross section view taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 13 of an example of a folded outer leg cuff.

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross section view of a back belt-like flap taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 20 shows Bar C (304) and Bar O (305) of the Sample Holder Apparatus

FIG. 21 shows a front view of a pant in closed form, in a relaxed state.

FIG. 22 shows a pant in the testing apparatus.

FIG. 23 is a chart illustrating examples of existing product arrays, and how their Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes compare to the Body Length-to-Side Silhouettes of the average weight each product is targeted to fit.

FIG. 24 is a chart illustrating examples of inventive product arrays, and how their Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes compare to the Body Length-to-Side Silhouettes of the average weight each product is targeted to fit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

“Pull-on garment” or “pant” means articles of wear which have a defined waist opening and a pair of leg openings and which are pulled onto the body of the wearer by inserting the legs into the leg openings and pulling the article up over the waist.

“Disposable” means garments, which are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as a garment (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). The pull-on garment may be “absorbent” such that it absorbs and contains the various exudates discharged from the body.

“Closed form” means opposing waist regions are joined to form a continuous waist opening and leg openings. See FIGS. 6, 7, and 15-17.

“Array” means a display of packages comprising disposable articles of different sizes having like article constructions (e.g., same elastomeric materials [compositionally and/or structurally] in the flaps, graphic elements) said packages having the same brand and/or sub-brand, and said packages oriented in proximity to each other in a given area of a retail store. An array is marketed as a line-up of products normally having like packaging elements (e.g., packaging material type, film, paper, dominant color, design theme, etc.) that convey to consumers that the different individual packages are part of a larger line-up. Arrays often have the same brand, for example, “Huggies,” and same sub-brand, for example, “GoodNites.” A different array may have the brand “Huggies” and the sub-brand “Pull-Ups.” The differences between the “GoodNites” array and the “Pull-Ups” arrays may include for example different side seams, where “Good Nights” comprises a permanently closed side and “Pull-Ups” comprises a refastenable side seam. Furthermore, the packaging is distinctly different in that “GoodNites” is packaged in a predominately blue, film bag for boys and a predominantly pink, film bag for girls and “Pull-Ups” is packaged in a predominately blue, film bag for boys and a predominantly pink, film bag for girls. The key differences are the wearers displayed on the packaging wherein GoodNites packaging has older children displayed on it relative to the children on the Pull-Ups packaging.

Arrays also often have the same trademarks, including trademarks of the brand, sub-brand, and/or features and/or benefits across the line-up.

“On-line Array” means an “Array” distributed by a common on-line source.

“Product Length-to-Side Silhouette” means Relaxed Product Length (300) (mm) divided by the Relaxed Product Side Length (303) (mm). See FIGS. 6 and 7.

“Array Average Product Length-to-Side Silhouette” means the average Product Length-to-Side Silhouette of each size offered in a product array. For example, the Depend Underwear for Women (Maximum Absorbency) is marketed and sold in an array of 3 sizes: Small/Medium; Large and Extra Large. The Array Average Product Length-to-Side Silhouette is the average of: The Product Length-to-Side Silhouette for size Small/Medium; the Product Length-to-Side Silhouette for size Large; and the Product Length-to-Side Silhouette for size Extra Large. Tables 1a and 1b show examples of the Product Length-to-Side Silhouette for some currently marketed product arrays.

“Relaxed Product Length” means the longitudinal distance between the longitudinally distal most point in the crotch region and the longitudinally distal most point along the front waist edge. The longitudinal distance is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the product. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7.

“Relaxed Product Hip Width” means the lateral distance from the laterally distal most point of the left side edge of the product at the upper edge of the left leg opening to the laterally distal most point of the right side edge of the product at the upper edge of the right leg opening. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7. The lateral distance is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the product.

“Relaxed Product Waist Width” means the lateral distance from the distal most point at the right side of the front waist edge to the distal most point at the left side of the front waist edge. The lateral distance is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the product. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7.

“Relaxed Product Side Length” means the linear distance from the point of intersection between the waist edge and the side edge of the product to the point of intersection between the top of the leg opening and the same side edge of the product. The relaxed product side length measurement is the average of the measurements from the left and right sides of the product. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7.

“Side Length” means the vertical distance from the navel to the level of the hip (where the hips are defined at the maximum prominent point of the buttocks as seen from the side. See FIG. 3.

“Body Rise-to-Side Length Ratio” means the Body Rise (mm) divided by the Side Length (mm). See FIG. 1.

“Body Length-to-Side Silhouette” means the Body Length (mm) divided by the Side Length (mm). See FIG. 3.

Consumers who are urinary incontinent especially those who are suffering from nocturnal enuresis often are traumatized by the condition. Many aspects of the condition contribute to the trauma, like the fear of having an incontinent event in public. Even when wearing an absorbent article, there is still the fear of leaking, and the fear of their absorbent article being noticeable under their clothes. As such providing a product experience that helps normalize the condition by providing a more underwear-like, thin and body conforming structure across the entire weight/age range is one of the objects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a variety of specific shapes that may exist within each weight range: rectangle (also known as cylindrical), hourglass, pear, and apple. The higher the weight, the further to the right (toward the apple) a wearer typically is on this body shape scale. The prevalence of these shapes differs among weight ranges, for instance, higher weight wearers have a higher probability of being apple or pear shaped. Absorbent articles may be marketed to wearers of a particular body shape, such as apple, rather than focusing on exact weight values (which may be off-putting to a consumer), in order to match a wearer with the article that will best fit their unique body shape or size.

It may be desirable to link the Product Length-to-Side Silhouette to that of the targeted consumers Body Length-to-Side Silhouette in order to achieve a better fitting, better conforming, better gasketing product. This may increase the wearing comfort for each consumer while reducing leakage. Additionally, a product array where the Product Length-to-Side Silhouette of each subsequently larger size follows the same general trend as the Body Length-to-Side Silhouette for each subsequently larger size may also deliver a better fitting, better conforming article to each consumer regardless of their respective weight.

The anthropometric measures of Body Rise and Side Length are illustrated in FIG. 1. The relationship between the ratio of Body Rise to Side Length Circumference versus Body Weight is illustrated in FIG. 2. The projected body shape measures Body Length and Side Length are illustrated in FIG. 3. The relationship of Body Length-to-Side Silhouette versus Body Weight is illustrated in FIG. 5. FIGS. 2 and 5 illustrate that there is a correlation between Body Rise to Side Length versus Body Weight, and the Body Length-to-Side Silhouette versus Body Weight.

Absorbent Article

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure are generally designed and configured to manage bodily exudates such as urine, menses, feces or other vaginal discharges.

In one embodiment, an absorbent article may comprise a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed at least partially between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent chassis may comprise a waistband, leg cuffs and or elastic strands. In various embodiments, referring to FIG. 12, an example absorbent article 10 is shown in its flat uncontracted state prior to joining the side seams, in some cases the side seams are formed by fastening components 53 a and b.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 12, one end portion of the absorbent article 10 may be configured as a front waist region 36 and the longitudinally opposing end portion may be configured as a back waist region 38. An intermediate portion of the absorbent article 10 extending longitudinally between the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38 may be configured as a crotch region 37. The length of each of the front waist region 36, the back waist region 38 and the crotch region 37 may be about ⅓ of the length of the absorbent article 10, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 (versus coinciding with the front and back belts as illustrated in FIG. 12. In other embodiments, the length of each of the front waist region 36, the back waist region 38, and the crotch region 37 may have other dimensions. In various embodiments, the absorbent article 10 may have a laterally extending front waist end edge 136 in the front waist region 36 and a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back waist end edge 138 in the back waist region 38.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 12, a chassis 100 of the absorbent article 10 may comprise a first longitudinally extending side edge 137 a and a laterally opposing and second longitudinally extending side edge 137 b. Both of the side edges 137 may extend longitudinally between the front waist end edge 136 and the back waist end edge 138. The chassis 100 may form a portion of the laterally extending front waist end edge 136 in the front waist region 36 and a portion of the longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back waist end edge 138 in the back waist region 38. Furthermore, the chassis 100 may comprise an interior surface 102, an exterior surface 104, a longitudinal axis 42, and a lateral axis 44. The longitudinal axis 42 may extend through a midpoint of the front waist end edge 136 and through a midpoint of the back waist end edge 138, while the lateral axis 44 may extend through a midpoint of the first side edge 137 a and through a midpoint of the second side edge 137 b.

In various embodiments, a portion of or the whole absorbent article 10 may be made to be laterally extensible. The extensibility of the absorbent article 10 may be desirable in order to allow the absorbent article 10 to conform to a body of a wearer during movement by the wearer. The extensibility may also be desirable, for example, in order to allow the caregiver to extend the front waist region 36, the back waist region 38, the crotch region 37, and/or the chassis 100 to provide additional body coverage for wearers of differing size, i.e., to tailor the absorbent article 10 to the individual wearer. Such extension may provide the absorbent article 10 with a generally hourglass shape, so long as the crotch region 37 is extended to a relatively lesser degree than the waist regions 36 and/or 38. This extension may also impart a tailored appearance to the absorbent article 10 during use.

Many current pull-on pant absorbent articles have a brief style design, dimensionally similar to full cut brief underwear. Such brief style articles are designed to fit in the waist at the navel of the wearer and along the legs and sides at the level of the hip. All of these products have side seams which have a length that is substantially less than the folded length of the article as measured along the longitudinal centerline. That means the hoop that supports the article only anchors the upper portion of the article and the remainder of the article disposed primarily in the crotch has no lateral support and as such can shift and move with the wearer's movements. In addition, the weight of the center chassis, when loaded, also imparts a force having a vector that is substantially perpendicular to the force vector of the hoop which can contribute to degradation of the overall fit of the article leading to sagging and gapping of gasketing elements and degradation of article performance. In order to overcome this perpendicular degradation force the force of the hoop would have to be so high that it would be detrimental to the comfort of the wearer, resulting in poor fit, increased skin marking and difficulty of application, etc.

The stabilization benefits of a longitudinally longer elasticized belt structure described herein are enabled by a product design having a lower Product Length to Side silhouette. The lower Product Length to Side Silhouette is a result of a longer side seam length for a given size absorbent article. The resultant Product Length to Side Silhouette ratio of these absorbent articles range from about 0.5 to about 1.6. The lower Product Length to Side Silhouette results in product designs that are similar to boy boxer brief and girl boy-short style underwear.

The boxer brief/boy-short silhouette absorbent articles of the present disclosure are designed to fit at the waist at or adjacent the navel and along the legs below the hip closer to the level of the bottom of the crotch of the center chassis. Such designs have side seams that are closer to the folded length of the article as measured along the longitudinal centerline. This style of fit minimizes the impact of the dynamic forces imparted by movements of the wearer on the center chassis in the crotch by providing lateral stabilization along the legs thereby helping to maintain contact and position of all of the gasketing elements of the center chassis. In addition, having more of the absorbent core within the hoop created by the longer elasticized belt portion of the article also helps increase absorbent to body contact thereby improving fluid uptake and leakage prevention. In certain embodiments, the side seam length is preferably >60% and <100% of the relaxed product length of the article as measured along the longitudinal centerline. In other embodiments, the side seam length is preferably >70% and <100% of the relaxed product length of the article as measured along the longitudinal centerline. In yet another embodiment, the side seam length is preferably >80% and <100% of the relaxed product length of the article as measured along the longitudinal centerline. In another embodiment, the side seam length is preferably >90% and <100% of the relaxed product length of the article as measured along the longitudinal centerline.

The elastic features described herein enhance the dynamic fit of the absorbent article about the wearer in those zones that undergo dynamic changes caused by the wearer's movements. In an especially preferred embodiment, the absorbent article is provided with elastic waist features, elastic leg cuffs, and elastic side/hip panels that provide elastic extensibility to provide greater freedom of movement for the wearer and a more comfortable and contouring fit by initially conformably fitting the diaper to the wearer and by sustaining this tit during use.

Due to the increased size and coverage of the elastic belt structures, these structures may have differential extensibility along the longitudinal axis when stretched in the lateral direction. The differential extensibility allows portions to laterally expand to a greater degree than other portions along the longitudinal axis. This differential extensibility provides a belt having both an abdominally compliant front elastic portion as well as an elastically compliant hip; leg portion that can expand differentially providing distinctive shape, dimensions and forces targeted to adapt to the specific wearer movements of those regions as the wearer moves, sits, and stands.

Any or all portions of the absorbent article may comprise a bacteriophage composition as described in U.S. Ser. No. 61/931,229, titled DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES COMPRISING BACTERIOPHAGES AND RELATED METHODS, and filed on Jan. 24, 2014.

Topsheet

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4a, 4b , 12 and 19, the absorbent article 10 may comprise a topsheet 81. The topsheet 81 may be compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin and may be elastically stretchable in one or more directions. Further, the topsheet 81 may be liquid pervious, permitting liquids (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) to penetrate through its thickness. Various topsheets may also comprise a hydrophilic material, for example, which is configured to draw bodily fluids into an absorbent core of the chassis 100 when these fluids are expelled from the body. A suitable topsheet 81 may be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as woven and nonwoven materials, apertured or hydroformed thermoplastic films, apertured nonwovens, porous foams, reticulated foams, reticulated thermoplastic films, and/or thermoplastic scrims, for example. Suitable apertured films may comprise those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,929,135, 4,324,246, 4,342,314, 4,463,045, 5,006,394, 5,628,097, 5,916,661, 6,545,197, and 6,107,539.

Apertured film or nonwoven topsheets typically may be pervious to bodily exudates, yet non-absorbent, and have a reduced tendency to allow fluids to pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may comprise natural fibers, such as, for example, wood or cotton fibers, synthetic fibers, such as, for example, polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers, or combinations thereof. If the topsheet 81 comprises fibers, the fibers may be spunbond, carded, wet-laid, meltblown, hydroentangled, or otherwise processed, for example, as is generally known in the art.

The topsheet may comprise a skin care lotion. Examples of suitable lotions include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,607,760; 5,609,587; 5,635,191; 5,643,588; and 5,968,025, and as described in U.S. Application No. 61/391,353.

In one embodiment, the topsheet may comprise graphics (e.g., 116 in FIG. 15) such that depth perception is created as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,528.

Backsheet

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4a, 4b , 18 and 19, for example, the absorbent article 10 may comprise a backsheet 83. The backsheet 83 may be impervious, or at least partially impervious, to fluids or body exudates (e.g., menses, urine, and/or runny feces) and may be manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. The backsheet 83 may prevent the body exudates or fluids absorbed and contained in an absorbent core of the absorbent article 10 from wetting articles which contact the absorbent article 10, such as bedsheets, pajamas, clothes, and/or undergarments. The backsheet 83 may comprise a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, and/or a multi-layer or composite materials comprising a film and a nonwoven material (e.g., having an inner film layer and an outer nonwoven layer). A suitable backsheet may comprise a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Examples of polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation BR-120 and BR-121, and by Tredegar Film Products of Terre Haute, Ind., under the designation XP-39385.

One suitable material for the backsheet can be a liquid impervious thermoplastic film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.50 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils), for example including polyethylene or polypropylene. Typically, the backsheet can have a basis weight of from about 5 g/m² to about 35 g/m². The backsheet can be typically positioned adjacent the outer-facing surface of the absorbent core and can be joined thereto. For example, the backsheet may be secured to the absorbent core by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. Illustrative, but non-limiting adhesives, include adhesives manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn., U.S.A., and marketed as HL-1358J. An example of a suitable attachment device including an open pattern network of filaments of adhesive is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986. Another suitable attachment device including several lines of adhesive filaments swirled into a spiral pattern is illustrated by the apparatus and methods shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,911,173; 4,785,996; and 4,842,666. Alternatively, the attachment device may include heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment device or combinations of these attachment devices.

In one embodiment, the backsheet 83 may be embossed and/or matte-finished to provide a more cloth-like appearance. Further, the backsheet 83 may permit vapors to escape from the absorbent core of the absorbent article 10 (i.e., the backsheet 83 is breathable) while still preventing, or at least inhibiting, fluids or body exudates from passing through the backsheet 83. In one embodiment, the size of the backsheet 83 may be dictated by the size of the absorbent article 10 and the design or configuration of the absorbent article 10 to be formed, for example.

Absorbent Core

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 4a, 4b , 18 and 19, the absorbent article 10 may comprise an absorbent core (also referred to as an “absorbent member” or “absorbent assembly” or “absorbent structure” or “absorbent composite”) 200 that is disposed between the topsheet 81 and the backsheet 83. The absorbent core 200 may comprise a laterally extending front edge 236 in the front waist region 36, a longitudinally opposing and laterally extending back edge 238 in the back waist region 38, a first longitudinally extending side edge 237 a, and a laterally opposing and second longitudinally extending side edge 237 b. Both of the side edges 237 may extend longitudinally between the front edge 236 and the back edge 238. In one embodiment, more than one absorbent core 200 or more than one absorbent core layer may be provided in an absorbent article 10, for example. The absorbent core 200 may be any suitable size or shape that is compatible with the absorbent article 10. Example absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 200 of the present disclosure that have achieved acceptance and commercial success are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,610,678; 4,673,402; 4,888,231; and 4,834,735.

In one embodiment, suitable absorbent cores may comprise cellulosic airfelt material. For instance, such absorbent cores may comprise less than about 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or even 1% of the cellulosic airfelt material as determined by weight. Additionally, such an absorbent core may be primarily comprised of an absorbent gelling material in amounts of at least about 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or even about 100% as determined by weight. Furthermore, a portion of the absorbent core may comprise a microfiber glue (if applicable). Such absorbent cores, microfiber glues, and absorbent gelling materials are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,599,335; 5,562,646; 5,669,894; 6,790,798; and 7,521,587 and in U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2004/0158212.

In one embodiment, the core, including multiple layers making up the core system, may be printed and embossed as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,536,401.

In one embodiment, the core may be separable from the chassis as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,989,006; 7,381,202; 7,175,613; 7,824,386; 7,766,887; and 6,989,005. In such embodiments, the measurements described in this disclosure may be made to the chassis alone or may be made to the chassis in combination with the separable core/absorbent assembly.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article of the present disclosure, and particularly, a portion where the absorbent member is disposed, may have a body fluid absorption rate greater than 3 g/sec according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,810. According to U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,810, the expression “the portion (of the absorbent article) where the absorbent member is disposed” is intended to mean the portion occupied by the absorbent member when the absorbent article is flatly unfolded and seen in its plan view.

In one embodiment, the absorbent structure may have an intake factor greater than 3 according to U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,373, wherein the intake factor is defined as the absorbent core permeability divided by the normalized retention capacity (which is defined by the Retention Capacity Test—also according to U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,373).

In one embodiment, the absorbent composite has a body fluid absorption greater than 75 g/100 cm², according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,810.

In one embodiment, a target location of the absorbent article may have a wicking value greater than 36%, according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,960.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article may have a bending stiffness between 0.05-1.0 gf, according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,796.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article may have a crotch fluid absorption rate greater than 3 g/sec according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,810. In one embodiment, a freeze-dried composite of the absorbent composite may have an intake rate of at least about 1.9 cubic centimeters (cc) of liquid/second at 80% composite saturation according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,934.

Leg Cuffs

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the chassis 100 of the absorbent article 10 may comprise longitudinally extending and laterally opposing leg cuffs 147 a and 147 b that are disposed on the interior surface of the chassis 100 that faces inwardly toward the wearer and contacts the wearer. The leg cuffs 147 a and 147 b may comprise one or more elastic gathering members disposed at or adjacent the proximal edge of one or both of the leg cuffs 147. In addition, the elastic gathering members of the leg cuff may also comprise one or more elastic strands 146 disposed at or adjacent the distal edge of one or both of the leg cuffs 147. The elasticized leg cuffs 147 may comprise several embodiments for reducing the leakage of body exudates or fluids in the leg regions. The elasticized leg cuffs 147 are sometimes referred to as leg bands, barrier cuffs, elastic cuffs, or gasketing cuffs. Suitable elasticized leg cuffs 147 may comprise those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,860,003, 4,909,803, 4,695,278, 4,795,454, 4,704,115, and 4,909,803, and U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2009/0312730. The leg cuffs 147 may be formed by folding portions of the chassis 100 laterally inward, i.e., toward the longitudinal axis 42, to form both the respective leg cuffs 147 and the side edges 137 a and b of the chassis 100. In other embodiments, the leg cuffs 147 may be formed by attaching an additional layer or layers to the chassis 100 at or adjacent to each of the respective side edges 137 a and 137 b of the chassis 100. In one embodiment, the chassis 100 may also comprise other elastics disposed adjacent the side edges 137 which may cause the article 10 to form into a “U” shape when allowed to relax thereby pulling the interior surface 102 of the front waist region 36 toward the interior surface 102 of the back waist region 38.

In one embodiment, each leg cuff 147 may comprise a proximal edge 157 a and 157 b. These edges 157 a and 157 b are positioned proximate to the longitudinal axis 42 compared to distal edges 139 a and 139 b. The leg cuffs 147 may overlap the absorbent core 200, i.e., the proximal edges 157 a and 157 b lie laterally inward of the respective side edges 237 a and 237 b of the absorbent core 200. Such an overlapped configuration may be desirable in order to impart a more finished appearance to the absorbent article 10 than that imparted by a non-overlapped configuration. In other embodiments, the leg cuffs 147 may not overlap the absorbent core 200.

In one embodiment, each leg cuff 147 may be attached to the interior surface 102 of the chassis 100 in a leg cuff attachment zone (not shown) adjacent to the front waist end edge 136 and in a longitudinally opposing leg cuff attachment zone (not shown) adjacent to the back waist end edge 138. In one embodiment, between the leg cuff attachment zones, the proximal edge 157 of the leg cuff 147 remains free, i.e., not attached to the interior surface 102 of the chassis 100 or to the absorbent core 200. Also, between the longitudinally opposing leg cuff attachment zones, each leg cuff 147 may comprise one or more (specifically including one, two, three, or four elastic strands per leg cuff 147) longitudinally extensible cuff elastic gathering members 159 that may be disposed at or adjacent to the proximal edge 157 of the leg cuff 147 by any suitable methods. Each of such cuff elastic gathering members 159 may be attached over the leg cuff's entire length or over only a portion of the leg cuff's length. For example, such cuff elastic gathering members 159 may be attached only at or near the leg cuff's longitudinally opposing ends and may be unattached at the middle of the leg cuff's length. Such cuff elastic gathering members 159 may be disposed in the crotch region 37 and may extend into one or both of the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38. For example, an elastic gathering member 159 may be attached at or adjacent to the proximal edge 157 of each of the leg cuffs 147 and extends into both the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38.

In various embodiments, each cuff elastic gathering member 159 may be enclosed inside a folded hem for example. In various embodiments, the cuff elastic gathering members 159 may be sandwiched between two layers forming the leg cuff 147, by two layers of the chassis 100, or may be attached on a surface of the chassis 100 or the leg cuff 147 and remain exposed.

In one embodiment, when stretched, the cuff elastic gathering member 159 disposed adjacent to each leg cuff's proximal edge 157 allows the leg cuff proximal edge 157 to extend to the flat uncontracted length of the chassis 100, e.g., the length of the chassis 100. When allowed to relax, the cuff elastic gathering member 159 contracts to pull the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38 toward each other and, thereby, bend the article 10 into a “U” shape in which the interior of the “U” shape may be formed by the portions of the article 10 that are intended to be placed toward the body of the wearer (i.e., interior surface 102). Because each of the proximal edges 157 remains free between the longitudinally oriented leg cuff attachment zones, the contractive force of the elastic gathering member 159 may lift the proximal edge 157 of the leg cuff 147 away from the interior surface 102 of the chassis 100. This lifting of the proximal edges 157 when the article 10 is in the relaxed condition lifts the leg cuffs 147 into a position to serve as side barriers to prevent, or at least inhibit, leakage of bodily exudates.

Waistband

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 14, the article 10 may comprise an elasticized waistband 112 a and b. The elasticized waistband may provide improved fit and containment and may be configured to elastically expand and contract laterally to dynamically fit a wearer's waist. The elasticized waistband may extend longitudinally outwardly from the waist edge of the absorbent article 10 toward the waist edge of the absorbent core 200. In one embodiment, the absorbent article 10 may have two elasticized waistbands, one positioned in the back waist region 38 and one positioned in the front waist region 36, although other pant embodiments may be constructed with a single elasticized waistband. The elasticized waistband may be constructed in a number of different configurations including those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,515,595 and 5,151,092.

In one embodiment, the elasticized waistbands may comprise materials that have been “prestrained” or “mechanically prestrained” (i.e., subjected to some degree of localized pattern mechanical stretching to permanently elongate the material). The materials may be prestrained using suitable deep embossing techniques. In other embodiments, the materials may be prestrained by directing the material through an incremental mechanical stretching system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,458. The materials may then be allowed to return to their substantially untensioned condition, thus forming a zero strain stretch material that is extensible, at least up to the point of initial stretching. Examples of zero strain materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,075,189, 3,025,199, 4,107,364, 4,209,563, 4,834,741, and 5,151,092.

Flaps

The flaps 189 (a-d) may be discrete from or integral with the chassis 100. A discrete flap is formed as separate element, which is joined to the chassis 100. In some embodiments, this includes a plurality of flaps, e.g. 2 or 4 (often referred to as ear panels or side flaps) being joined to the side edges 137 a and b of the chassis in the front and/or rear waist regions 36 and 38 (see FIGS. 12-17). In other embodiments this may include a front and/or back belt-like flaps (“belts”) being joined across the front and back (or rear) waist regions of the chassis 100, at least across end edges of the chassis 136 and 138 (see FIGS. 4a, 4b , 12 and 19). In some embodiments the waistbands 112 can overlap the flaps to create a continuous belt-like structure (see FIG. 14).

The belt-like flaps and may comprise an inner nonwoven layer and an outer nonwoven layer and elastics there between. The inner and outer nonwoven layers may be joined using adhesive or thermoplastic bonds. Various suitable belt-like flap configurations can be found in U.S. Pub. No. 2013-0211363. FIG. 11 illustrates belt flaps in the front and back waist regions that are discrete and that have a relatively small distance between the front and back belt flaps such that only a small portion of the chassis hangs below the belts (see FIG. 7).

An integral flap is a portion, one or more layers, of the chassis that projects laterally outward from the longitudinal edge. The integral flap may be formed by cutting the chassis to include the shape of the flap projection.

While many of the embodiments illustrated in this application having belt-like flaps are pant articles, taped articles may have belt-like flaps disposed in one or both waist regions as well.

The structure of flaps play an important role in the functionality of the absorbent article and are fundamentally different than the elastics used in underwear. As mentioned above, incontinence events, such as SUI and UUI, can result in a high flow rate and/or a full bladder release. The amounts of urine expelled during the incontinence events can vary wildly given the type of urinary incontinence as well as other circumstances such as time since last bathroom visit, amount of fluid intake, day or night, etc. Loadings can range from as low as a few drops of urine to loadings as high as 600 mls. It is not unusual to have single loadings as high as 300, 400 and even 500 mls. These levels of loading present a significant downward force associated with the loading which can be a pound or more. This downward force must be compensated for by the absorbent article chassis in order to minimize sagging, gapping and leakage. In order to sustain the fit of the article even after loading the article comprises elastomeric element(s) 146, including films (including apertured films) and/or strands) that are disposed proximate to and along the side seams 280 a and b (see, for example, FIG. 15, where the elastomeric elements 146 terminate proximate to and along the length of the seams 280 a and b) of the article and extend laterally from one side toward the other. Each of the elastomeric elements 146 may extend continuously from side seam 280 a to side seam 280 b in the front and the back belts along the longitudinal distance from the belt waist edges 136, 138 to the opposite belt end edges (versus being cut as illustrated in FIGS. 4a, 4b , 12, and 15), such that one or more of the elastomeric elements 146 overlap with the absorbent core 200; it may be desirable for 3 or more elastic elements 146 to overlap with the core in the front and/or back waist regions 36 and 38. These elastomeric element(s) should create a normal force against the body sufficient to anchor the article. The location of the elastomeric element(s), as well as the forces exerted by the elastomeric element(s) can be varied to ensure proper anchoring at the hips and along the body specifically across the front waist region and in the back waist region. One form of anchoring beneficial for sustaining the fit of a loaded article is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,500 Absorbent Articles Providing Sustained Dynamic Fit issued Oct. 25, 1994 to LaVon, et al. It should also be noted that regular underwear with elastic along the waist edge and leg edges would not typically provide sufficient support to sustain the fit of the underwear if a weight of 300-600 grams was applied to the crotch region of the underwear.

Fastening System

The absorbent article may also include a fastening system. When fastened, the fastening system interconnects the front waist region 36 and the rear waist region 38 resulting in a waist circumference that may encircle the wearer during wear of the absorbent article 10. This may be accomplished by flaps 189 a and b in the back waist region interconnecting with flaps 189 c and d in the front waist region or by flaps in the back waist region interconnecting with the chassis 100 in the front waist region. The fastening system may comprise a fastener 53 a and b such as tape tabs, hook and loop fastening components, interlocking fasteners such as tabs & slots, buckles, buttons, snaps, and/or hermaphroditic fastening components, although any other known fastening means are generally acceptable. The fasteners may releasably engage with a landing zone 118, which may be a woven or nonwoven. Some exemplary surface fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,848,594; 4,662,875; 4,846,815; 4,894,060; 4,946,527; 5,151,092; and 5,221,274. An exemplary interlocking fastening system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,098. The fastening system may also provide a means for holding the article in a disposal configuration as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,140. The fastening system may also include primary and secondary fastening systems, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,622. The fastening system may be constructed to reduce shifting of overlapped portions or to improve fit as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,242,436; 5,499,978; 5,507,736; and 5,591,152.

Identical or Substantially Identical Chassis

As disclosed in U.S. Pub. No. 2013-0211355, it may be desirable to offer an array of packages for fitting different sized wearers, but comprising identical or substantially identical chassis. For instance, an array may comprise a first package comprising a first size of absorbent articles and a second package may comprise a second size of absorbent articles, where the first and second packages comprise identical or substantially identical chassis as described in U.S. Pub. No. 2013-0211355. More particularly, the first package may comprise a first chassis and the second package may comprise a second chassis, where each of the first and second chassis comprise the same dimensions of one or more of: core width at the lateral centerline, core width at one of the front or rear core end, a distance from a left outer cuff distal edge to a right outer cuff distal edge, a distance from a left inner cuff distal edge to a left outer cuff distal edge, a distance from a left inner cuff proximal edge to a right inner cuff proximal edge, a distance from a left inner cuff proximal edge to a left outer cuff distal edge, a free height of the inner cuff, inner cuff hem fold width, inner cuff elastics length, outer cuff elastics length, core length, and backsheet width. Further, each of the first and second chassis may comprise identical chemical compositions of one or more of a topsheet, backsheet film, backsheet nonwoven, core super absorbent polymers, core pulp, core nonwoven, core tissue, leg cuff film, leg cuff nonwoven, super absorbent polymer adhesive, core nonwoven adhesive, leg cuff elastic adhesive, and backsheet nonwoven/film adhesive.

And, each of the first and second chassis may comprise the same basis weight of one or more of the topsheet, backsheet film, backsheet nonwoven, core super absorbent polymers, core pulp, leg cuff nonwoven, leg cuff film, super absorbent polymer adhesive, leg cuff adhesive, and backsheet nonwoven/film adhesive.

And, each of the first and second chassis may comprise compositionally identical core super absorbent polymers. The first and second chassis may have identical component cross sectional order and disposition in at least one of the front waist region, back waist region, and crotch region. The inner leg cuffs of the first and second chassis may be composed of the compositionally identical materials.

And, the core adhesives of the first and second chassis may be the same adhesive(s). The first and second chassis may comprise core super absorbent polymers that are in the same chemical class and subclass.

And, each of the first and second chassis may comprise first and second wetness indicators, respectively, and wherein the first and second wetness indicators are compositionally identical.

Further, the inner leg cuffs of the first and second chassis may have identical component cross sectional order and disposition in at least one of the front waist region, back waist region, and crotch region. The distance from the left outer cuff distal edge to a right outer cuff distal edge may the same. The distance from the left inner cuff proximal edge to left outer cuff distal edge may be the same. The distance from the left inner cuff proximal edge to the right inner cuff proximal edge is the same. The lengths of the inner and outer cuffs are the same.

In some embodiments, different size offerings in an array may have identical or substantially identical chassis as the flaps or belts may be used to enable the absorbent article to fit different sized wearers. For example, first and second absorbent articles may have identical chassis (compositionally, dimensionally, cross-sectionally), but the first article may have a different length due to disposition of the belts, such that the first article may be targeted to fit a smaller wearer than the second article. As a second example, first and second absorbent articles may have identical chassis (compositionally, dimensionally, cross-sectionally), but the first article may have a different length and/or width due to the size of the belts, such that the first article may be targeted to fit a smaller wearer than the second article.

In some embodiments, first and second absorbent articles may have identical chassis compositionally, but not dimensionally, and not cross-sectionally. In some embodiments, first and second absorbent articles may have identical chassis dimensionally, but not compositionally, and not cross-sectionally. In some embodiments, first and second absorbent articles may have identical chassis cross-sectionally, but not dimensionally, and not compositionally. In still other embodiments, first and second absorbent articles may have two, but not three of (1) compositionally, (2) dimensionally, and (3) cross-sectionally identical chassis.

TABLE 1a Examples of Existing Product Arrays Product Side Seam Array Average Array Average Average Relaxed Relaxed Relaxed Product Length- Length to Product Product Targeted Product Product Product Hip-to-Side to-Side Relaxed Hip-to-Side Length-to-Side Weight Length Hip Width Side Length Silhouette Silhouette Product Silhouette Silhouette (kg) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm/mm) (mm/mm) Length (mm/mm) (mm/mm) Pampers UnderJams size S/M 23 228 222 121 1.832 1.882 53% 1.952 1.978 size L/XL 33 241 241 116 2.073 2.075 48% Huggies GoodNites Pull Ups size S/M 23 234 262 139 1.887 1.683 59% 1.993 1.749 size L/XL 42 248 287 137 2.098 1.815 55% Wallgreens Well Beginnings Sleep size S/M 23 252 271 136 2.002 1.857 54% 1.996 1.870 size L/XL 42 256 271 136 1.991 1.884 53% Target Up and Up Nighttime size S/M 23 230 228 131 1.739 1.750 57% 1.830 1.797 size L/XL 42 254 265 138 1.920 1.844 54% Parents Choice Night Time size S/M 25 256 267 134 1.990 1.909 52% 1.959 1.904 size L/XL 42 258 262 136 1.928 1.899 53% Kroger Comfort Night Pants size S/M 23 236 249 139 1.789 1.693 59% 1.927 1.762 size L/XL 42 249 281 136 2.065 1.830 55% Meijer Night Time size S/M 23 232 246 140 1.760 1.653 60% 1.853 1.730 size L/XL 42 252 271 139 1.946 1.808 55%

TABLE 1b Examples of Existing Product Arrays Product Side Seam Array Average Array Average Average Relaxed Relaxed Relaxed Product Length- Length to Product Product Targeted Product Product Product Hip-to-Side to-Side Relaxed Hip-to-Side Length-to-Side Weight Length Hip Width Side Length Silhouette Silhouette Product Silhouette Silhouette (kg) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm/mm) (mm/mm) Length (mm/mm) (mm/mm) Depend Fit-Flex Underwear for Women Moderate size S/M 69 335 263 179 1.468 1.867 54% size L 98 371 274 202 1.353 1.834 55% 1.496 1.969 size XL 113 385 291 175 1.666 2.205 45% Depend Silhouette Active Fit Briefs for Women Moderate size S/M 69 265 360 130 2.769 2.038 49% 2.424 1.927 size L/XL 98 345 395 190 2.079 1.816 55% Always Discreet Classic Cut Underwear Maximum size S/M 69 320 295 195 1.513 1.641 61% size L 98 340 330 200 1.650 1.700 59% 1.605 1.650 size XL 114 370 380 230 1.652 1.609 62% Always Discreet Lower Rise Underwear Moderate size S/M 69 280 315 175 1.800 1.600 63% 1.755 1.655 size L 98 325 325 190 1.711 1.711 58%

TABLE 2 Examples of Inventive Product Arrays Product Side Seam Array Average Array Average Average Relaxed Relaxed Relaxed Product Length- Length to Product Product Targeted Product Product Product Hip-to-Side to-Side Relaxed Hip-to-Side Length-to-Side Weight Length Hip Width Side Length Silhouette Silhouette Product Silhouette Silhouette (kg) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm/mm) (mm/mm) Length (mm/mm) (mm/mm) 1^(st) Inventive Array (2 package array) 1^(st) Package in Array 20 323 301 215 1.400 1.500  67% 1.393 1.434 2^(nd) Package In Array 26.5 350 355 256 1.387 1.367  73% 2^(nd) Inventive Array (3 package array) 1^(st) Package in Array 20 280 280 255 1.098 1.098  91% 2^(nd) Package In Array 30 300 305 285 1.070 1.053  95% 1.061 1.045 3^(rd) Package in Array 40.5 320 330 325 1.015 0.985 102% 3^(rd) Inventive Array (4 package array) 1^(st) Package in Array 18.5 206 293 232 1.263 0.888 113% 2^(nd) Package in Array 26.5 220 319 265 1.204 0.830 120% 1.182 0.829 3^(rd) Package In Array 34.5 240 343 304 1.128 0.789 127% 4^(th) Package In Array 41.5 250 350 309 1.133 0.809 124%

It may be desirable to link the Product Length-to-Side Silhouette to the Body Length-to-Side Silhouette in order to deliver a more boxer or boyshort-like product shape relative to the body shape. Boxer and boyshort-like underwear exhibit Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes that are less than the Body Length-to-Side Silhouettes. Tables 1a and 1b details some of today's marketed product arrays. FIG. 9 shows how the Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes of these arrays compare to the Body Length-to-Side Silhouettes. It can be seen that today's product arrays do not provide Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes less than Body Length-to-Side Silhouettes.

Table 2 illustrates several inventive arrays of 2, 3, and 4 packages, whose Product Length-to-Side Silhouettes are less than the Body Length-to-Side Silhouettes and provide more boxer and boyshort-like products. These inventive arrays are provided simply as non-limiting examples. Other inventive Length-to-Side Silhouette arrays are possible within the scope of this disclosure. These inventive arrays are also shown in FIG. 10.

It may be desirable to have an absorbent article having a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette value of from about 0.5 to about 1.5, or from about 0.75 to about 1.5, or from about 1 to about 1.5, or from about 1 to about 1.4, or from about 1 to about 1.3.

It may be desirable to have an absorbent article having a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette value from about 0.5, about 0.75, about 1, or about 1.5 to about 1.3, about 1.4, or about 1.5, and any combination thereof.

It may be desirable to have an absorbent article having a Relaxed Product Side Length greater than about 65%, about 75%, about 85%, about 95%, about 100%, about 105%, about 110%, or about 115%, but less than about 125%, of the Relaxed Product Length.

It may be desirable to have an absorbent article within an array, the array comprising two or more absorbent articles, where one or more absorbent articles in the array has a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette value of from about 0.5 to about 1.5, or from about 0.75 to about 1.5, or from about 1 to about 1.5, or from about 1 to about 1.4, or from about 1 to about 1.3. Further, it may be desirable to have an Array Average a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette value of from about 0.5 to about 1.5, or from about 0.75 to about 1.5, or from about 1 to about 1.5, or from about 1 to about 1.4, or from about 1 to about 1.3.

It may be desirable to have an absorbent article within an array, the array comprising two or more absorbent articles, where one or more absorbent articles in the array has a Relaxed Product Side Length less than about 40%, about 35%, about 30%, or about 25% of the Relaxed Product Length.

Test Methods

Product Measurement Preparation

All measurements are conducted at 22° C.+/−2° and 50% RH+/−20%.

Purpose

This method is used to prepare pant type products for subsequent dimensional measurement. The method provides a consistent means of opening a product that has been removed from a bag. This method is applicable to all forms of pant products. A constant rate of extension tensile testing machine with computer interface is used.

A load cell is chosen so that the load cell capacity ensures accuracy of a 5N load to within 0.1N.

Sample Holder Apparatus

“C” (304) and “O” (305) Bar attachments each with a rod radius of 9.50 mm that extend longer than the length of the longest side seam. Refer to FIG. 20. The bars are mounted horizontally in the tensile tester with their longitudinal axes in the same vertical plane and with upper bar mounted directly above the lower bar.

Equipment Set Up

Calibrate tensile tester equipment according to the instrument manufacturer's recommendations.

The initial gauge length is determined by removing 10 sample products from the bag, unfolding the pant products (307) and laying them flat as illustrated in FIG. 21, below and measuring the distance between the sides of the pant at the waist as shown (306). The average of the waist measurement will be used as the initial gauge length for the specific set of specimens. The initial gauge length is the distance from the uppermost edge of the upper bar to the lowermost edge of the lower bar.

Apply the whole product (307) to the bars as shown in FIG. 22 while minimizing manipulation of the specimen.

Pull Sample to 5N Force then hold for 10 seconds. Return to initial gauge length.

Crosshead Speed=254.0 mm/min, Data acquisition rate=50 Hz.

Cycles=1

Remove the specimen from the bars while minimizing manipulation. Lay the specimen flat with the front side facing upward as shown in FIG. 6.

Repeat for all 10 specimens

Physical Measurements

Each of the measurements below is to be conducted on 10 separate like specimens and the average of the 10 separate like specimens is considered to be the measurement for that specific specimen set.

Relaxed Product Length (300)

Relaxed Product Length is the longitudinal distance between the longitudinally distal most point in the crotch region and the longitudinally distal most point along the front waist edge. The longitudinal distance is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the product. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Relaxed Product Hip Width (301)

Relaxed Product Hip Width is the lateral distance from the laterally distal most point of the left side edge of the product at the upper edge of the left leg opening to the laterally distal most point of the right side edge of the product at the upper edge of the right leg opening. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7. The lateral distance is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the product.

Relaxed Product Waist Width (302)

Relaxed Product Waist Width is the lateral distance from the distal most point at the right side of the front waist edge to the distal most point at the left side of the front waist edge. The lateral distance is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the product. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Relaxed Product Side Length (303)

Relaxed Product Side Length is the linear distance from the point of intersection between the waist edge and the side edge of the product to the point of intersection between the top of the leg opening and the same side edge of the product. The relaxed product side length measurement is the average of the measurements from the left and right sides of the product. Refer to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Each of the measurements above is recorded to within +/−1.0 mm 

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent article having a central chassis, the central chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core, the absorbent article comprising: a front waist region and a front waist edge; a back waist region and a back waist edge; a front belt disposed in the front waist region; a back belt disposed in the back waist region; wherein each of the front and back belts comprise at least one elastic element; wherein the front and back belts are joined at seams to form a waist opening and leg openings; and wherein the article has a Relaxed Product Side Length greater than about 75%, but less than about 125%, of the Relaxed Product Length.
 2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the article has a Relaxed Product Side Length greater than about 85%, but less than about 125%, of the Relaxed Product Length.
 3. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the at least one elastic element is an apertured film.
 4. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the side seam length is greater than about 70% and less than about 100% of the Relaxed Product Length of the absorbent article.
 5. An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of absorbent articles, the array comprising: a first package comprising a first absorbent article having a first size; a second package comprising a second absorbent article having a second size; wherein the first absorbent article comprises: a front waist region and a front waist edge; a back waist region and a back waist edge; a front belt disposed in the front waist region; a back belt disposed in the back waist region; wherein the front and back belts are joined at seams to form a waist opening and leg openings; wherein the second absorbent article comprises: a front waist region and a front waist edge; a back waist region and a back waist edge; a front belt disposed in the front waist region; a back belt disposed in the back waist region; wherein the front and back belts are joined at seams to form a waist opening and leg openings; wherein at least one of the first and second absorbent articles has a Relaxed Product Length of less than about 260 mm and greater than about 170 mm; and wherein each of the first and second absorbent articles has a side seam length that is greater than about 70% and less than about 100% of the Relaxed Product Length of the absorbent article.
 6. The array of packages of claim 5, wherein the first and second packages comprise the same brand name.
 7. The array of packages of claim 5, wherein the front and back belts of at least one of the first and second articles comprise first and second films.
 8. The array of packages of claim 5, wherein each of the first and second absorbent articles has a Relaxed Product Length of less than about 260 mm and greater than about 170 mm.
 9. The array of packages of claim 5, wherein the first and second sizes are different.
 10. The array of packages of claim 5, wherein the first and second sizes are substantially the same.
 11. The array of packages of claim 10, wherein the first and second packages comprise the same brand name.
 12. The array of packages of claim 10, wherein the first and second absorbent articles comprise chassis having identical cross-sectional dispositions.
 13. An absorbent article having a central chassis, the central chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core, the absorbent article comprising: a front waist region and a front waist edge; a back waist region and a back waist edge; a front belt disposed in the front waist region; a back belt disposed in the back waist region; wherein each of the front and back belts comprise at least one elastic element; wherein the front and back belts are joined at seams to form a waist opening and leg openings; and wherein the side seam length is greater than about 70% and less than about 100% of the Relaxed Product Length of the absorbent article. 